Mattie's Blog and his Fight Against Osteosarcoma

Thank you for keeping Mattie's memory alive!

Dear Mattie Blog Readers,

It means a great deal to me that you take the time to write and to share your thoughts, feelings, and reflections on Mattie's battle and death. Your messages are very meaningful and help support me through very challenging times. I am forever grateful. As my readers know, I promised to write the blog for a year after Mattie's death, which would mean that I could technically have stopped writing on September 9, 2010. However, like my journey with grief there is so much that still needs to be processed and fortunately I have a willing support network still committed to reading. Therefore, the blog continues on. If I should find the need to stop writing, I assure you I will give you advanced notice. In the mean time, thank you for reading, thank you for having the courage to share this journey with me, and most importantly thank you for keeping Mattie's memory alive.

As Mattie would say, Ooga Booga (meaning, I LOVE YOU)! Vicki

November 5, 2018

Monday, November 5, 2018

Monday, November 5, 2018

Tonight's picture was taken in October of 2008, this was Mattie's last Halloween with us. By that point, Mattie had just had his first limb salvaging surgery. His right arm was wrapped up and he was very self conscious about having a bald head and a wrapped arm. He did not think he would be able to find a Halloween costume. But Mattie was invited into the oncology clinic (prior to the other children) to look over the donated costumes and to have the opportunity to pick one out without being surrounded by other children. Mattie picked out this mummy costume and it was the perfect choice. Mattie celebrated Halloween at the hospital. He literally trick or treated in all the admin offices. Then later that evening, he met up with his closest preschool friend, Zachary, and went trick or treating in Zachary's neighborhood. It was a challenging day for Mattie, but I am glad I captured this brief happy moment in the hospital elevator.

Quote of the day: One who knows how to show and to accept kindness will be a friend better than any possession. ~ Sophocles

Today was a FULL day of candy donations and sorting. We received at least 500 pounds of candy today. I literally was on my feet for 8 hours and when I got home at 6pm, I was exhausted.

I want to thank the River School in Washington, DC for their 200 pound donation. The River School has been supporting our drive for over 6 years now.

These two cuties are from the St. Mary’s Church Junior Catholic Daughters of America, Middle School Chapter. They donated close to 300 pounds of candy to us today. Despite the weather, they helped me carry the candy to the garage and were simply delightful girls!

This is what it looks like when the candy comes in faster than we can sort it and compile it! Before I left the garage tonight, all this candy was processed!